The Alps are bracing for winter’s last hurrah: this third week of March will be marked by heavy snowfall down to low altitudes thanks to a sharp temperature drop brought by a polar air mass sweeping down over Italy.
The 2012/13 winter season has more than made up for last year, when snow was scarce throughout the winter; however, the abundant snow reserves were significantly reduced by the heavy rains of recent days. Above-average temperatures and a freezing level above 2,000 meters brought snow only to high altitudes, leaving the ski slopes of low- and mid-altitude resorts exposed to rapid snowmelt.
The slopes are still in good condition, but snow depths have dropped noticeably, especially below 1,500 meters where temperatures never dipped below freezing.
Ahead of the Easter holidays, attention turns to the weather forecast, which—to the delight of skiers and industry operators—calls for the return of snow and freezing cold. It will be a week of snow even below 1,000 meters, with temperatures roughly 6 degrees below the seasonal average and 10 degrees colder than last weekend. Alongside the snow, intense frost will also return to the mountains, with temperatures plunging as low as -10°C starting Wednesday.
The weather outlook bodes well for the continuation of the ski season across most ski resorts, while high-altitude ski areas prepare for the imminent arrival of spring—their prime season, where snow holds up until May.
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